2001 BMW 320 vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 126 kg more than 2001 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 320. (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 320 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |
